System and method for monitoring a physiological condition

ABSTRACT

The invention describes a system and method for allowing an individual to view an educational program remotely. In the preferred embodiment, the invention is used as a healthcare education system. The system comprises a file server which is connected to a database holding the educational programs. A remote interface connected to the file server allows an administrator to assign educational programs to an individual. The remote interface also includes a memory card writer which records the individual&#39;s identification code and the address of the file server on a memory card. The individual is given the memory card to take home. When the individual places the memory card in the memory card reader of a multimedia processor, the processor uses the file server address to automatically connect to the file server. The file server receives the individual&#39;s identification code from the processor, retrieves the corresponding educational program from the database, and sends the program to the processor to be displayed. After the individual has watched the educational program, completion data in the form of the date and time the program was watched, or the individual&#39;s response, is sent from the multimedia processor to the file server. The completion data can then be viewed by the administrator on a report screen.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 09/971,785,filed Oct. 4, 2001, now abandoned, which is a Continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 09/119,546 filed Jul. 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No.6,330,426 B2, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.08/953,883 filed Oct. 20, 1997, now abandoned, which is aContinuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 08/757,129 filed Dec. 3,1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,144,837, which is a Continuation-In-Part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 08/334,643, filed on Nov. 4, 1994, now U.S.Pat. No. 5,601,435; and the application Ser. No. 09/119,546 filed Jul.20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,426 B2, is also a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/958,786, filed Oct. 29, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No.5,913,310, which is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No.08/857,187, filed May 15, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,603, which is aDivisional of application Ser. No. 08/247,716, filed May 23, 1994, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,678,571. All of the above applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

All of the above applications are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to remote education systems.More particularly, this present invention relates to a system and methodof remote health education in which an individual is provided with amemory card capable of being placed in a multimedia processor toautomatically access selected educational health programs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the biggest problems many healthcare providers face is theirpatients' lack of knowledge. Patients may lack knowledge on basicpreventative measures, such as why they should exercise, eat right, andnot smoke. Patients may also lack knowledge on conditions or diseasesthey do have, such as how to measure their blood glucose levels if theyare diabetic. This lack of knowledge is a problem for healthcareproviders because patients who do not know how to take care ofthemselves are ill more frequently. Thus, they must visit their doctorsmore often, sometimes incurring additional costs for hospital stays orlaboratory tests. This results in greater fees for the patient, his orher insurance company, and often the taxpayers.

An example of this problem is seen in some diabetes patients. Diabeticpatients must regularly receive insulin shots and adhere to a specificdiet in order to control their blood glucose levels. Unfortunately, somediabetic patients do not understand all the reasons why they should haveregular insulin shots or why they should or should not eat certainfoods. In addition, many diabetic patients are unaware of the healthconsequences should they not follow their treatment plan. As a result,such patients are sicker and require more healthcare than those patientswho understand all aspects of their diseases. Sicker patients requiremore healthcare, which is expensive and time-consuming for healthcareprofessionals, insurance companies, and the patients themselves.

One way this problem is handled is by increasing the amount of educationpatients receive about their lifestyle choices and/or their diseases.When patients know what they need to do to stay healthy, they are lessinclined to visit their doctors as frequently. In addition, if patientsunderstand the health problems that will result from not taking care ofthemselves, they will be more likely to follow their prescribedtreatments.

Educational forms range from pamphlets in a doctor's office to radioannouncements to television shows. Paper-based educational material ischeap, easy to produce, and easy to distribute. Unfortunately, pamphletsor articles are limited to words and pictures and are usually quiteboring, which makes it unlikely that patients will enjoy and rememberreading them. Radio announcements and television shows are more livelyand entertaining, but they are broadcast to the general public. Thusthey cannot be customized to a particular patient.

Due to technological advances, patients can now be educated usingCD-ROMs, the Internet, and multimedia processors. U.S. Pat. No.5,307,263 by the present inventor discloses a modular,microprocessor-based health monitoring system. The hand-held unit has adisplay screen, a control button pad, interchangeable programcartridges, and sensors for monitoring a variety of healthcare data. Theprogram cartridges include motivational and educational material relatedto use of the device, including step-by-step instructions. Acquired datamay be transmitted to a data management unit via an interface cable, orto a clearing house via telephone lines. A program cartridge formonitoring glucose levels and a glucose sensor is disclosed for thepurpose of caring for children with diabetes.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,597,307 and 5,624,265 by Redford and Stem describe aneducational system and apparatus aimed at children which also uses amultimedia processor. This invention comprises a remote control locatedin a book or other printed publication. A child can read the book whilewatching the display generated by the multimedia processor, and thenpress the buttons in the remote control book to alter what he sees.

None of the above education systems allow an individual to automaticallyaccess assigned educational programs remotely. The inventions describedabove provide general educational programs which are not tailored to anyone individual. Neither system provides confirmation that an individualhas completed the educational program. Neither system allows ahealthcare provider nor teacher to easily custom-design whicheducational programs a patient or individual is to view. Finally,neither system provides a patient or individual access to an unlimitednumber of educational programs.

Virtually everyone in the modern world is touched by the high cost ofhealth care. With rising costs, fewer and fewer people can afford anoptimal level of contact with a physician for treatment of healthconditions or preventative care. This situation may lead many members ofthe population who are in need of health care to believe they cannotafford it. These persons are less likely to seek proper health care whenneeded.

Further, despite great advances in the field of medicine, there maystill be some members of the population who feel threatened by or whoharbor a distrust or fear of health care professionals or institutions,for any number of reasons. These persons are also less likely to seekproper health care when needed.

The two factors mentioned above: the high cost of health care anddistrust or fear of health care professionals or institutions, maycombine in members of the population to prevent such persons fromseeking out and obtaining adequate health care.

Therefore, what is needed is a device which can reduce health care costsby performing some functions of a health care professional and at thesame time reduce possible distrust of health care professionals andinstitutions by providing health care functions to a user in anon-threatening manner.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce health care costs byperforming some functions of a health care professional.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to achieve theabove-mentioned objects through education obtained in an enjoyable andinteractive manner.

It is an additional object of the present invention to accomplish theabove-mentioned objects in a relatively inexpensive and simple-to-usemanner.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to have thecapability to be functionally expanded with interchangeable compactdisks further reducing initial cost.

The prior art discloses devices that monitor health related parameters.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,307,263 discloses a modular,microprocessor-based, health monitoring system. The hand-held unit has adisplay screen, a control button pad, interchangeable program cartridgesand sensors for monitoring a variety of health care data. The programcartridges may include motivational and educational material related touse of the device, including step-by-step instructions. Acquired datamay be transmitted to a data management unit via an interface cable andto a clearinghouse via telephone lines. A program cartridge formonitoring glucose levels and a glucose sensor is disclosed having thepurpose of caring for children with diabetes. However, this device hasthe disadvantage of having a relatively small liquid crystal displayscreen, a limited ability to process and store data due to its smallsize, and limited on-time due to its battery power. Because thisinvention is directed to chronic ailments, its educational capabilitiesare likely limited to teaching how to use the device and to teachingabout those chronic ailments to which it is directed.

Another example is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,625 which disclosesa personal health monitor that measures a patient's weight, temperature,blood pressure and ECG waveform. A plurality of monitors may be coupledto a central computer via telephone lines. The central computer mayprompt the patients to take medication, measure certain healthparameters, supply answers to selected questions or determine patientsymptoms based on patient responses to questions. The monitor transmitspatient data to the central computer. The central computer comparescollected patient data to expected values and triggers an alarm if thedata falls outside a predetermined range. A disadvantage of thisinvention is that communication with a central computer is required inorder to implement its educational capabilities. This increases the costand complexity of the entire system.

Yet another example can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,225 whichdiscloses a personal health monitor and its enclosure. The object ofthis invention is to provide an enclosure for a health monitor such asthe one described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,803,625, discussed above. Adisadvantage of this device is that it requires the use of a standardlap top computer as the processing unit which increases the cost of thedevice.

None of the above-mentioned patented devices benefit from the enhancedsound, video and memory capabilities of a multimedia processor having aCD-ROM digital memory store and operating with a television set.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention toprovide an individual with a remote education system which can beaccessed from the individual's home. It is another object of theinvention to provide a remote education system which displayseducational programs for an individual. It is another object of thepresent invention to provide interactive educational programs. Anotherobject of the invention is to provide a remote education systemcomprising a memory card containing an individual's identification codeand the locations of educational programs for the individual to view. Itis another object of the present invention to provide confirmation thatan individual has completed an educational program. It is another objectof the invention to provide a remote education system through theInternet. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide aremote healthcare education system for patients. It is another object ofthe present invention to allow a healthcare provider to assigneducational programs for a patient by using a memory card.

These and other objects and advantages will become more apparent afterconsideration of the ensuing description and the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a system and method for remote educationusing a memory card. The system preferably comprises a database, a fileserver, a remote interface, a memory card writer, a display unit, amultimedia processor, and a card reader. The file server acts as acentral hub of the system, because it is preferably coupled to thedatabase, the remote interface, and the multimedia processor.Accordingly, these three components are capable of being located at longdistance from one another. The database preferably stores a plurality ofeducational programs. Preferably, the remote interface allows anadministrator, such as a healthcare provider or educator, to assign aneducational program to an individual. The identification code of theindividual and a pointer referring to the assigned educational programare preferably stored on memory means of the file server. Preferably, byusing the memory card writer, the administrator is capable of recordingthe individual's identification code and the address of the file serveronto the memory card.

After the administrator assigns the particular educational program tothe individual, the memory card can be given to the individual. When theindividual wishes to view the assigned educational program, theindividual simply places the card in the card reader. Preferably, thememory card reader is coupled to or located with the multimediaprocessor, which in turn is coupled to the file server. Upon receivingthe memory card, the multimedia processor preferably sends theindividual's identification code to the file server. Preferably, thefile server then calls up the assigned educational program from thedatabase. The content of the educational program is sent to themultimedia processor and displayed on a display unit for the individual.

Preferably, the file server is notified when the individual hascompleted the educational program. Completion data includes the date andtime the individual watched the educational program. Further, thecompletion data can also include responses made by the individual to theeducational program. Preferably, the file server records the completiondata and then send the completion data to the remote interface for theadministrator to review.

In the preferred embodiment of the remote education system, the fileserver is a web server, the remote interface is an interactive web page,and the communication link is the Internet. An administrator assigns aneducational program to the individual by entering the assignmentinformation onto the web page. The assignment information is sent to theweb server where it is held. When the individual places the memory cardinto the card reader, the multimedia processor sends the individual'sidentification code to the web server, which calls up the educationalprogram from the database. In the preferred embodiment, the database cancomprise one or more web servers, which allows the administrator toassign to the individual an unlimited amount of material.

In the preferred embodiment, the memory card is a plastic card with amagnetic information strip, similar to an ordinary credit card. Themagnetic strip contains the individual's identification code and thelocation of the file server. In another embodiment, the memory cardcomprises a circuit. The circuit contains the individual'sidentification code and the location of the file server.

The present invention is an electronic health monitoring system. Amultimedia processor is a modified CD-ROM multimedia interactivetelevision video game console which comprises a microprocessor,hardware, and software. One or more physiological data monitors arecoupled to provide a signal representative of a user's physiologicalparameter, such as blood pressure, to the multimedia processor throughan isolated interface circuit. A hand-held program controller havingdirectional buttons is operated by the user to control the variousfunctions of the multimedia processor. A television is coupled to themultimedia processor to provide sound and a video display based uponoutput signals from the multimedia processor. A monitor can also be usedto provide a display platform.

Interchangeable compact disks (CD-ROM) comprise additional software. Thesoftware contained in the interchangeable compact disks enables thesystem to execute a variety of health related functions, to display highquality moving or still video images and to produce high quality soundaccompaniment. For example, the system may monitor a user'selectrocardiographic signals and display an ECG waveform and variousother parameters, such as heart rate, on the television screen. Thesystem may also interactively provide more detailed or educationalinformation to the user based upon the user's operation of the hand-heldprogram controller and also based upon predetermined software routinesand data stored within the system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The preferred and alternative embodiments of the present invention aredescribed in detail below with reference to the following drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a remote education system according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the components of the remote educationsystem and how they are connected, according to FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sample program assignment screen as displayed on the remoteinterface;

FIG. 4 is a sample report screen as displayed on the remote interface;

FIG. 5 is a sample interactive educational program as displayed by themultimedia processor;

FIG. 6A is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by the fileserver of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a continuation of the flow chart of FIG. 5A, and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating the steps executed by the multimediaprocessor of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a detailed diagram of the hand-held program controller ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a system and method for remotelyeducating an individual using a memory card. In the preferredembodiment, the invention is used to distribute custom-designed healtheducation programs to patients. However, it is to be understood that theinvention is not limited to the healthcare industry. The system andmethod of the invention may be used for any type of remote educationapplication in any field.

The preferred embodiment of the system is shown in FIG. 1. The system110 comprises a file server 112, which is connected by communicationlinks 138, 130, and 140 to a remote interface 114, a database 148containing educational programs, and a multimedia processor 124. Fileserver 112 is preferably a world wide web server, remote interface 114is preferably a web page, and communication links 138 and 130 arepreferably the Internet. Remote interface 114 has a display 116 and akeyboard 120, which an administrator can use to assign an educationalprogram to an individual.

Remote interface 114 also contains or is connected to a memory cardwriter 118. Memory card writer 118 is used to record the individual'sidentification code and the location of file server 118 on a memory card118. Preferably, the location of file server 118 is in the form of auniform resource locator, or URL.

Communication link 140 from file server 112 to multimedia processor 124is preferably the Internet. However, file server 112 and multimediaprocessor 124 can also contact each other via wireless communicationnetworks, cellular networks, telephone networks, or any other suitablenetwork. Multimedia processor 124 is also connected by communicationlink 132 to a display 128, which is used to show educational programs tothe individual. Communication link 132 can be any suitable connectionmeans. Display 128 is a standard audiovisual display, such as atelevision.

Multimedia processor 124 contains or is connected to a memory cardreader 126. When memory card 118 is placed in memory card reader 126,the assignment information is sent to file server 112, which retrievesthe assigned educational program from database 148. The educationalprogram content is then sent through communication link 40 to multimediaprocessor 124 and shown on display 128. In addition, microprocessor 124can also comprise expansion ports to support additional user interfacesand devices, such, as keyboards and trackballs, as well as add-oncircuits for enhanced sound, video, or processing performance (notshown).

As shown in FIG. 3, input device 134 comprising numerous momentarycontact push buttons 136 is used by the individual to control andrespond to the educational program. Push buttons 136 represent controlfunctions, such as “on” and “off”, as well as numbers, letters, orvarious commands, such as “yes” and “no”. Alternatively, push buttons136 may be replaced by switches, keys, a touch sensitive display screen,or any other data input device. Input device 134 is a standard wirelesscommunication means which sends command signals to multimedia processor124 to be processed and executed. However, any communication means whichallows input device 134 to connect with multimedia processor 124.

For clarity of illustration, only one database and only one multimediaprocessor are shown in FIG. 1. It is to be understood that system 110may include any number of databases for storing any number ofeducational programs, and any number of multimedia processors for use byany number of individuals.

FIG. 2 shows a detailed block diagram of the preferred embodiment of theinvention illustrated in FIG. 1. Server 112 includes a general softwareapplication 142 which is used create a database 144 and a patient table146. Software application 142 is also capable of programming file server112 to carry out standard commands such as receiving, saving, andtransmitting information. Database 144 contains the educational programs148. Alternatively, database 144 can contain pointers to educationalprograms 148 which are located in remote databases. The advantage of thepointers is that they allow the healthcare provider to assign any numberof educational programs 148, as long as educational programs 148 can betransmitted to multimedia processor 124 and shown on display 28. Thussuitable forms of educational programs 148 include photos, videos,animation, static web pages, interactive web pages, etc. Patient table146, which is stored in the memory of file server 112, lists thepatients, their identification codes, and educational programs 148 whichhave been assigned to them.

Patient table 146 is generated by information entered into theassignment screen 150 of remote interface 114. Assignment screen 150,which is illustrated in FIG. 3, lists available educational programs148, each with a corresponding check box 166, and patients, also eachwith a corresponding check box 168. The administrator brings upassignment screen 150 on display 116 of remote interface 114. Sheselects a check box 168 for a patient and then selects a check box 166corresponding to educational program 148 to be assigned to the patient.More than one educational program 148 can be assigned to each patient.In addition, more than one patient can be assigned the same educationalprogram 148. The administrator then selects the ASSIGN PROGRAM button70, which stores the assignment in patient table 146. Assignment screen150 also includes a DELETE PROGRAM button 72, which allows theadministrator to erase the assignment.

New listings of patients and educational programs 148 can easily becreated by the administrator by clicking on the ADD NEW PATIENT button174 or the ADD NEW PROGRAM button 176. When these buttons are selected,a new field is added to the patient or program categories. Theadministrator then types in the name of the new patient or the name ofthe new educational program 148, and saves the addition by clicking onthe SAVE NEW LISTING button 178. The new listings are then saved inpatient table 146.

In the preferred embodiment, remote interface 114 is a web page. Thus,using keyboard 120, as shown in FIG. 1, the administrator can createcustomized educational programs 148 in the form of static or interactiveweb pages for patients. The administrator creates the web page using ascripting language such as HTML or Java, and then stores it on database144. These web pages can be accessed by multimedia processor 124 in thesame manner as the above mentioned educational programs 148.

Referring to FIG. 2 again, remote interface 114 also comprises a reportscreen 152 which is shown on display 116. Report screen 152, asillustrated in FIG. 4, tells the administrator when the patient hascompleted watching assigned educational program 148 and/or a programscore. Specific techniques for writing report generator program todisplay data in this manner are well known in the art.

The program score is generally determined by evaluating the patient'sresponses to an interactive educational program, such as an interactiveweb page. FIG. 5 shows a sample educational program 148 which includesquestions for the patient to answer using input device 134.

The remote education system also includes a memory card writer 18connected to remote interface 114. Memory card writer is an apparatuswhich can encode information onto a magnetic strip or circuit. Theprocess of storing information on a magnetic strip or circuit is wellknown. Memory card 122 produced contains the patient's identificationcode 156 and the file server address 154.

As shown in FIG. 2, multimedia processor 124 also comprises a memorymeans 160, a central computing unit (CPU) 158, a modem 164, andaudiovisual display 128. Memory card reader 126, memory means 160, modem164, and audiovisual display 128 are all connected to CPU 158.Multimedia processor 124 connects to file server 112 using modem 164 andcommunication link 40, which is preferably a telephone cable. Multimediaprocessor 124 can be programmed to automatically dial out using modem164 whenever memory card 122 is placed in memory card reader 126.

Memory card reader 126 comprises means of detecting and interpreting theinformation stored on memory card 122. In the preferred embodiment,memory card reader 126 is a magnetic strip reader. When the patientplaces memory card 122 in memory card reader 122, the information issent to CPU 150 and then memory means 160. The information is then sentto file server 112 by way of modem 164.

Memory means 160 of multimedia processor 124 is also for storing programinstructions on how to connect to file server 112 and how to transmitpatient's identification code 156. In addition, memory means 160receives and stores assigned educational programs 148 from file server112. When the content of educational programs 148 are sent to multimediaprocessor 124 from file server 112, memory means translate the contentinto audiovisual signals to be displayed on display 128.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show a flowchart illustrating the steps carried out byserver 112 in the preferred embodiment of the invention. In step 202,server 112 first asks if the administrator would like to create a newassignment. Creating a new assignment can mean adding a new patient tothe patient list or assigning a new educational program 148 to apatient. If the administrator decides to create a new assignment, theinformation is stored in patent table 146, as shown in step 204. In step206, the new assignment information consisting of the patient'sidentification code 156 and file server address 154 is also recorded onmemory card 122 by memory card writer 118, and then given to thepatient. If the administrator does not need to create a new assignment,she goes directly from step 202 to step 208.

After the patient returns home, he places memory card 122 in memory cardreader 126 connected to multimedia processor 124. File server address154 on memory card 122 allows multimedia processor 124 to locate andconnect to file server 112 in step 208. Patient's identification code156 is then sent over in step 210. In step 212, file server 112 thengoes to patient table 146 and looks up educational program 148 assignedto patient. A pointer in database 144 then retrieves educational program148. If educational program 148 is located in a remote database, it issent through file server 112 to multimedia processor 124, as shown instep 214. Memory means 160 of multimedia processor 124 then interpretand translate the content of educational program 148 into audiovisualsignals to be shown on display 128.

After the patient has watched educational program 148, completion datacomprising the time and date or patient responses is sent frommultimedia processor 124 to file server 112 in step 216. Step 218 scoresthe patient responses to determine a program score. Step 220 thenrecords the completion data in patient table 146 of file server 112.

If the administrator wishes to view completion data of a particularpatient, she can request a patient report, as shown in step 222. Step222 can occur after the patient has watched and responded to educationalprogram 148 in step 220, or at any time after step 208. File server 122retrieves the patient's completion data from patient table 146, step224, and then shows it in the form of report screen 152 on display 116in step 226. Report screen 152 is illustrated in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart outlining the steps involved in the processorprogram of multimedia processor 124 in the preferred embodiment of theinvention. Processor program can be carried out by known softwareprograms. The processor program begins when memory card 122 is placed inmemory card reader 126, as shown in step 302. Memory card reader 126reads patient's identification code 304 and file server address 156 frommemory card 122 in step 304, and then sends the information to CPU 158.File server address 156 allows CPU 158 to connect to server 112 viamodem 164 in step 306. Patient's identification code 154 is thentransmitted to file server 112 in step 308. In step 310, CPU 158receives the content of assigned educational program 148 via modem 164.The content is converted into audiovisual signals shown on display 128in step 312. Patient response to educational program 148 is sent to CPU158 by input device 134. CPU 158 then sends the patient response, alongwith other completion data, to file server 112. The processor program ofmultimedia processor 124 then ends.

Memory card reader 126 of multimedia processor 124 can also have awriting function similar to that of memory card writer 118 of remoteinterface 114. This feature allows the patient responses to educationalprogram to be stored on memory card 122. The patient can then bring inmemory card 122 to his healthcare provider or the administrator. Memorycard writer 118 of remote interface 114 must also have readingcapabilities. Memory card 122 is inserted in memory card writer/reader118 and the patient responses are downloaded into remote interface 114.This feature can be used if the patient does not wish to transmit hisresponses over communication link 140.

The present invention allows a healthcare provider or administrator toassign a remote educational program to a patient. The patient has theluxury of watching and responding to the program in his own home at hisconvenience. The patient's response to the educational program is thentransmitted to the file server and displayed for the administrator toview. Thus the administrator can monitor whether or not the patient haswatched the educational program, and can also evaluate his responses tothe program.

Appendix A shows one implementation of the present invention as itapplies to working with a diabetes patient through MEDTV™ over theInternet. MEDTV™ is a trademark of Raya Systems, Inc. (Mountain View,Calif.).

Referring to FIG. 8, a diagram of the present invention is shown. Amultimedia processor 801 comprises a microprocessor, hardware, read-onlydigital memory (ROM), writeable digital memory (RAM), and may alsoinclude a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM) drive for acceptinginterchangeable compact disks for an increased memory store. Data andsoftware that is medically or health related and software routines forcontrolling the system are stored in one or more of the digital memorystores. In the preferred embodiment, the multimedia processor 801 is aCD-ROM television video game console, otherwise known as an “interactiveN” (ITV) system such as the Interactive Multiplayer developed by 3DOCompany and manufactured by Panasonic under the name “FZ-1 REAL 3DOInteractive Multiplayer” or another similar ITV system manufacturedunder license from 3DO. The multimedia processor 801 is somewhat smallerin size than a typical video cassette recorder (VCR). Alternately, themultimedia player 1 is a “set-top box” which is television compatible,has interactive capabilities and has one or more communication portswhich may connect to the “information superhighway” through a telephoneline, coaxial cable, or other means. Such a set-top box preferablyincludes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmedarithmetic logic array chip (PAL) or other circuit devices to implementfunctions of an interface device 814 described below. Preferably, themultimedia processor 801 also comprises a 32-bit reduced instruction set(RISC) central processing unit (CPU) made by ARM, a digital signalprocessor (DSP) for high quality sound, and has three dimensional audioimaging for increased directional realism in the sound effects. Themultimedia processor 801 preferably has expansion ports to supportadditional user interface and other devices, such as keyboards,joysticks, trackballs, or modems in daisy chain fashion and to acceptadd-on circuits for enhanced sound, video, or processing performance. Inaddition, the multimedia processor 801 preferably comprises an“animation engine” having two integrated circuit chips for displaying ormoving up 64 million pixels per second and having the ability to make avideo image bend, twist, skew, shrink, stretch, be transparent ortranslucent, and having the ability to create light and shadow effectsand having the ability to “wrap” a first two-dimensional video imageonto a second three-dimensional video image of an object. Such videotechniques are known in the art. The multimedia processor 801 has a slot802 for accepting interchangeable compact disks 803 into the CD-ROMdrive. The interchangeable compact disks 803 comprise additionalsoftware which enables the system to execute a variety of specifichealth related functions and interactions related to ECG, bloodpressure, glucose levels, pulse rate, kidney functions and so forth.Alternatively, the interchangeable compact disks 803 are insteadinterchangeable cartridges, similar to interchangeable video gamecartridges, having high density digital mass storage, such as flashmemory cards. The multimedia processor 801 is coupled by a televisioninterface cable 805 to a television 804 of the conventional type or to atelevision having enhanced video or sound capabilities. The multimediaprocessor 801 supplies electronic information to the television 804through the television interface cable 805 to enable the television 804to produce appropriate images on the television screen 806 and to enablethe television 804 to project appropriate audio sounds from thetelevision speaker 807 or speakers. Stereo sound effects may be employedin those televisions having stereo capability. In addition, auxiliaryspeakers or sound amplification devices may be coupled to the television804. The multimedia processor 801 is also coupled to a programcontroller 808 by a control interface cable 809. The program controller808 enables the user to make selections and to control the functions ofthe health monitoring system. The program controller 808 is also shownin FIG. 9 and is described in more detail below.

The multimedia processor 801 is also coupled to a physiological datamonitor 810. The physiological data monitor 810 is coupled to the user'sbody to obtain electrical signals representative of a physiologicalparameter. The physiological data monitor 810 is coupled to themultimedia processor through an interface device 814. The interfacedevice 814 includes hardware and software necessary to receive signalsfrom the physiological data monitor 810 by means of the signal receiver814(d), to perform signal conditioning or processing by means of theprocessor 814(b) and the convertor 814(c), to control the multimediaprocessor 801 by means of the multimedia controller 814(a), and toprovide signals representative of a physiological parameter to themultimedia processor 801 through an interface cable 815. Such signalprocessing may include digital to analog conversion, analog to digitalconversion, digital reformatting, and signal scaling and may be basedupon the system hardware, software, user input or upon requirements ofthe physiological data monitor 810. Preferably, the physiological datamonitor 810 is electrically isolated from the rest of the system by apatient isolating circuit 814(e). For example, such a patient isolatingcircuit may comprise an optically isolating circuit such as the“MAX250/MAX251”+5 volt powered isolated RS-232 driver/receivermanufactured by MAXIM. Preferably, the interface device 814 comprisesthe patient isolating circuit described above by being integrally housedwithin the same housing, however, the patient isolating circuit may beseparately housed or incorporated into the physiological data monitor810. In addition, the multimedia processor 801 may provide controlsignals to the interface device 814 through the interface cable 815based upon the hardware and software in the multimedia processor 801 andupon the user's input to the program controller 808. Additionally, theprogram controller 808 may be coupled to provide control signalsdirectly to the interface device 814. The interface device 814 may beexternal to the multimedia processor 801, but in the preferredembodiment, the interface device 814 and the interface cable 815 areintegrally mounted internal to the housing of the multimedia processor801 as is the patient isolating circuit.

As an example only, FIG. 8 shows a physiological data monitor 810 in theform of an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring device. The ECG monitoringdevice has three electrodes 811, 812, 813 which couple to the user'sbody to obtain analog electrical signals representative of the user'scardiac activity. However, the physiological data monitor 810 maycomprise a pressure cuff, a temperature probe, a blood glucose sensor,kidney dialysis equipment, and so forth. Standard or modified patientmonitoring equipment provided by other manufacturers may be used. Forexample, Johnson & Johnson makes a blood pressure cuff called “Dynamap”and Boehringer Mannheim makes a blood glucose indicator called“Accucheck Easy.” Such patient monitoring equipment provided by othermanufacturers often have an RS-232 port or analog output jacks.Therefore, to save manufacturing costs, the present invention includesthe ability to interface with such types of connectors by includingcompatible connectors and related hardware in the interface device 814.Each of the various physiological data monitors 810 are interchangeableand each may have corresponding software stored on an interchangeablecompact disk 803.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the multimedia processor 1has selectable modes wherein a language such as English, French, German,Italian, or Spanish is selected and a level of sophistication oreducational background of the user is selected. This may be implementedby a hardware switch coupled to the multimedia processor 801 or by ahidden software function which is accessible, for example, only when aspecific combination of control buttons are activated during systempower up. Such hidden software functions are known in the art. As anexample of the use of the selectable modes, a doctor could select anappropriate language and level of sophistication of a user or patientusing the hidden software function. The user then takes the system tothe user's home and goes through an interactive health monitoring or aninteractive educational program which is tailored to the language andlevel of sophistication or educational background of the user. The userthen returns to the doctor's office with the system where informationobtained from the patient is downloaded from the health monitoringsystem to a computer at the doctor's office. This information thenenables the doctor to quickly pinpoint any problem areas that theparticular patient is experiencing which saves the doctor's time,effecting a savings in medical resources. Then the system may bereconfigured for a different user having a different native language andlevel of sophistication or educational background and the processrepeated.

Referring to FIG. 9, a hand-held program controller 808 is shown. Theprogram controller 808 comprises a variety of push button switches. Thepush button switches are coupled to be activated by control buttons 901,902, 903, 904, 905, 906, 907, and 908 which are manipulated by the userfor controlling the health monitoring system. The program controller 808has a group of directional control buttons 901,902,903 and 904 in thecenter of which is printed the label “SELECT.” The button 905 is printedwith the label “INDEX.” Another button (not shown) is printed with thelabel “HELP.” The button 906 is printed with the label “GO.” Anotherbutton (not shown) is printed with the label “PAUSE.” The button 907 hasthe label “BACK” printed on or near it. The button 908 has the label“FORWARD” printed on or near it. The specific configuration of thebuttons and labels is by way of example only and it should be apparentthat any number of alternate configurations of buttons, keys, ordifferent labels would suffice to achieve the objects of the programcontroller 808.

As an example of how the health monitoring system operates, a user firstsets up the system in a manner similar to setting up a television-typevideo game, such as that manufactured by 3DO. Next, an interchangeablecompact disk 803 is inserted into the slot 802 of the multimediaprocessor 801. In this case, an ECG disk is installed. Then, the userconnects the physiological data monitor 810 to the user's body. In thiscase, the ECG electrodes 811, 812, 813 are attached to the user's chest.Next, the user turns the system on. Then the software of theinterchangeable compact disk 803 and the software of the multimediaprocessor 801 guide the user through a series of educational andinteractive steps including measurements of physiological parameters anddisplay of the results. In this case, for example, the health monitoringsystem may display on the television screen a moving or still image orimages and possibly audio signals to explain what an ECG is, why ECGmeasurements are important to health care and to guide the user throughthe steps necessary to take ECG measurements. Then, the healthmonitoring system displays the results of the measurements and may haveaudio effects as well. In this case, the user's ECG trace or waveformmay be displayed in analog form along with the user's heart rate innumerical form, while a audio representation of the user's beating heartmay be present. The health monitoring system may also compare the user'smeasurements with previously stored measurements of the same user's ECGor with measurements representative of a normative physiologicalparameter. Based upon these comparisons, the system may guide the userthrough additional measurements, store information for later retrievalor downloading, recommend that the user seek the services of a healthcare professional, ask questions of the user, give advice in areas suchas the user's diet and exercise habits, and so forth. In addition to theabove, the health monitoring system may provide functions related toblood pressure, glucose levels, pulse rate, kidney function, and soforth.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments incorporating details to facilitate the understanding of theprinciples of construction and operation of the invention. Suchreference herein to specific embodiments and details thereof is notintended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It will beapparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made inthe embodiment chosen for illustration without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. Specifically, it will be apparent that toone of ordinary skill in the art that the device of the presentinvention could be implemented in several different ways and theapparatus disclosed above is only illustrative of the preferredembodiment of the invention and is in no way a limitation.

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention but merelyas illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments. Manyother embodiments of the invention are possible, as this invention canbe used in any field where it is desirable to remotely educate anindividual. For example, teachers can use it to assign lessons to theirstudents, and employers can use it to provide additional job trainingfor their employees.

Another embodiment of the present invention allows companies to promotetheir products. Preprogrammed memory cards can be placed with acompany's products. When the consumer buys a product, he also receivesthe preprogrammed memory card, which contains the product identificationcode and the address of the company's consumer-product file server. Whenthe consumer places the memory card in the memory card reader of hismultimedia processor, the multimedia processor automatically connects tothe company's file server. The file server contains a consumer-producttable which stores a list of all the company's products withcorresponding pointers to relevant educational programs oradvertisements. For example, a sunblock product would have a pointer toa short video on basic sun safety, as well as an advertisement for allsunblock products made by that company.

When the file server receives the product identification code from themultimedia processor, it retrieves the relevant educational program oradvertisement and sends it back to the consumer's multimedia processor.The consumer can then watch the program or advertisement on the display.

Considering all the possibilities of the remote education system, thescope of the invention should be determined not by the examples given,but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A blood glucosemonitoring system for monitoring a blood glucose level and for providinghealth-related information comprising: (a) a display device including adisplay screen which displays the blood glucose level as measured; (b)an audio speaker; (c) a processor configured to provide audio and visualsignals to the audio speaker and the display device respectively; (d) atleast one built-in memory including read-only digital memory (ROM) orwriteable digital memory (RAM), or both, having stored therein operationdata and operation software routines executable by the processor for:(i) controlling the blood glucose monitoring system; (ii) comparing theblood glucose level as measured with stored measurements; (iii)performing one or more further processing functions in response to thecomparing; (iv) connecting the processor to a remotely located computervia a communication network in response to receiving a network addressof the remotely located computer from a removable memory card attachedto the system, wherein (a) the network address identifies the remotelylocated computer within the communication network and (b) the remotelylocated computer is located distant from the processor; and (v)receiving the health-related information at the processor via thecommunication network from the remotely located computer; (e) at leastone physiological data monitor configured to (i) provide a measurementsignal representative of a physiological parameter of a user and (ii)reside outside a first housing containing said processor; and (f) aninput device in communication with the processor and configured to (i)receive an input from the user including an identification code, (ii)enable the user to (1) make selections and (2) control one or more userfunctions of the blood glucose monitoring system and (iii) provide acontrol signal to the processor based upon the input, thereby to causethe health related information to be provided to the user based upon (a)the measurement signal representative of the blood glucose level, (b)the identification code received from said user, and (c) a destinationaddress programmed by a physician prior to the user receiving theprocessor, wherein the physiological parameter includes the bloodglucose level and the physiological data monitor includes a bloodglucose indicator.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the inputdevice is hand-held.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein theinput device receives the input from the user through at least one pushbutton switch.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the healthrelated information provided from the remotely located computer to theuser includes moving images displayed on the display screen.
 5. Thesystem according to claim 4, wherein the health related informationprovided from the remotely located computer to the user further includesa comparison of measurements of the blood glucose level with previouslystored measurements of the blood glucose level.
 6. The system accordingto claim 4, wherein the health related information provided from theremotely located computer to the user includes educational information.7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the blood glucose monitoringsystem is configured to store particular information on the at least onebuilt-in memory for later retrieval.
 8. The system according to claim 1,wherein the display device is a television.
 9. The system according toclaim 1, further comprising one or more communication ports configuredto connect the blood glucose monitoring system to an informationsuperhighway.
 10. The system according to claim 1, further comprising aslot for accepting a flash memory card.
 11. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the blood glucose monitoring system is configured fordownloading particular information obtained from the user to a separatecomputer.
 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least onebuilt-in memory further has stored therein alarm data and alarm softwareroutines for triggering an alarm if the blood glucose level as measuredfalls outside a predetermined range.
 13. The system according to claim1, wherein the operational data and the operation software routines areconfigured to guide the user through additional measurements based onthe comparing.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein theoperational data and the operation software routines are configured tostore particular information to support later retrieval or downloadingbased on the comparing.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein theoperational data and the operation software routines are configured torecommend a certain action be taken by the user based on the comparing.16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the operational data andthe operation software routines are configured to ask questions of theuser based on the comparing.
 17. The system according to claim 1,wherein the operational data and the operation software routines areconfigured to give advice as to diet or exercise habits of the userbased on the comparing.
 18. The system, according to claim 1, whereinthe input device is in wireless communications with the processor. 19.The system according to claim 1, wherein the physiological data monitorand the input device are in a second housing separate from the firsthousing containing the processor.
 20. A system for interactivelymonitoring a blood glucose level and for interactively providinghealth-related information comprising: (a) a glucose monitor adapted tomeasure the blood glucose level of a user and for generating a firstsignal in response to a measurement of the blood glucose level; (b) aprocessor (i) for receiving a second signal that is a function of thefirst signal and (ii) being contained within a housing, said glucosemonitor being disposed outside said housing containing said processor;(c) a memory coupled to the processor for storing blood glucose leveldata, the memory including read-only digital memory (ROM) or writeabledigital memory (RAM), or both, having stored therein operation data andoperation software routines executable by the processor for: (i)controlling the system; (ii) comparing the blood glucose level asmeasured with stored measurements; (iii) performing one or more furtherprocessing functions in response to the comparing; (iv) connecting theprocessor to a remotely located computer via a communication network inresponse to receiving a network address of the remotely located computerfrom a removable memory card attached to the system, wherein (a) thenetwork address identifies the remotely located computer within thecommunication network and (b) the remotely located computer is locateddistance from the processor; and (v) receiving the health-relatedinformation at the processor via the communication network from theremotely located computer; (d) a display system coupled to the processorfor displaying a representation of the blood glucose level, so as toprovide the health related information to the user in an interactivemanner based upon (a) the first signal representative of the bloodglucose level, (b) an identification code received from said user, and(c) a destination address programmed by a physician prior to the userreceiving the processor; and (e) an input device (i) in communicationwith the processor, (ii) enabling the user (1) to make selections and(2) to control one or more user functions of the system and (iii)provide a control signal to the processor based upon the input.
 21. Thesystem according to claim 20, further comprising one or morecommunication ports configured to connect the system to an informationsuperhighway.
 22. The system according to claim 20, further comprising aslot for accepting a flash memory card.
 23. The system according toclaim 20, wherein the system is configured for downloading particularinformation obtained from the user to a separate computer.
 24. Thesystem according to claim 20, wherein the memory further has storedtherein alarm data and alarm software routines for triggering an alarmif the blood glucose level as measured falls outside a predeterminedrange.
 25. A method for monitoring a physiological condition and forproviding health-related information with a system, the methodcomprising: (a) using at least one physiological data monitor to providea measurement signal representative of a user physiological parameter;(b) providing a processor to produce audio and visual signals forreproduction at an audio speaker and a display screen, respectively, and(i) providing said processor within a housing and (ii) saidphysiological data monitor being disposed outside said housingcontaining said processor; (c) using an input device in communicationwith the processor to (i) receive an input from the user and (ii)provide one or more controller signals to the processor based upon theinput from the user; (d) in response to and based upon (i) themeasurement signal representative of the user physiological parameterand (ii) the input from the user, having the processor cause the visualand the audio signals of the health related information to be presentedto the user, wherein the user physiological parameter includes a bloodglucose level and the physiological data monitor includes a bloodglucose indicator; (e) providing a memory coupled to the processor, thememory including read-only digital memory (ROM) or writeable digitalmemory (RAM), or both, the memory having stored therein the bloodglucose level and operation software routines executable by theprocessor for: (i) controlling the system; (ii) comparing the bloodglucose level as measured with stored measurements; (iii) performing oneor more further processing functions in response to the comparing; (iv)connecting the processor to a remotely located computer via acommunication network in response to receiving a network address of theremotely located computer from a removable memory card attached to thesystem, wherein (a) the network address identifies the remotely locatedcomputer within the communication network and (b) the remotely locatedcomputer is located distant from the processor; and (v) receiving thehealth-related information at the processor via the communicationnetwork from the remotely located computer based upon (a) themeasurement signal representative of the blood glucose level, (b) anidentification code received from said user, and (c) a destinationaddress programmed by a physician prior to the user receiving theprocessor.
 26. The method according to claim 25 wherein the input deviceis hand-held.
 27. The method according to claim 25, wherein the inputdevice receives the input from the user through at least one push buttonswitch.
 28. The method according to claim 25, wherein the health relatedinformation provided from the remotely located computer to the userincludes moving images displayed on the display screen.
 29. The methodaccording to claim 28, wherein the health related information providedfrom the remotely located computer to the user further includes acomparison of measurements of the user physiological parameter withpreviously stored measurements of the user physiological parameter. 30.The method according to claim 28, wherein the health related informationprovided from the remotely located computer to the user includeseducational information.
 31. The method according to claim 25, furthercomprising storing particular information in the memory for laterretrieval.
 32. The method according to claim 25, wherein the displayscreen comprises a television, and the visual signals are reproduced onthe television.
 33. The method according to claim 25, further comprisingconnecting to an information superhighway.
 34. The method according toclaim 25, further comprising accepting a flash memory card into apre-configuration slot.
 35. The method according to claim 25, furthercomprising downloading particular information obtained from the user toa separate server.
 36. The method according to claim 25, wherein thememory further has stored therein alarm data and alarm software routinesfor triggering an alarm if the blood glucose level as measured fallsoutside a predetermined range.
 37. An apparatus for interactivelymonitoring a blood glucose level and for interactively providinghealth-related information comprising: a. a display device comprising adisplay screen; b. a processor coupled to provide a visual signal to thedisplay screen, wherein the processor is contained within a housing; c.a glucose monitor coupled to provide a measurement signal representativeof the blood glucose level to the processor; d. at least one built-inmemory, including read-only digital memory (ROM) or writeable digitalmemory (RAM), or both, having stored therein operation data andoperation software routines executable by the processor for: (i)controlling the apparatus; (ii) comparing the blood glucose level asmeasured with stored measurements; (iii) performing one or more furtherprocessing functions in response to the comparing; (iv) connecting theprocessor to a remotely located computer via a communication network inresponse to receiving a network address of the remotely located computerfrom a removable memory card attached to the apparatus, wherein (a) thenetwork address identifies the remotely located computer within thecommunication network and (b) the remotely located computer is locateddistant from the processor; and (v) receiving the health-relatedinformation at the processor via the communication network from theremotely located computer; and e. an input device in communication withthe processor and configured to (i) receive an input from the user, (ii)enable the user (1) to make selections and (2) to control one or moreuser functions of the apparatus; and (iii) provide a control signal tothe processor based upon the input from the user, wherein health relatedinformation is sent to said user based upon (a) the measurement signalrepresentative of the blood glucose level, (b) an identification codereceived from said user, and (c) a destination address programmed by aphysician prior to the user receiving the processor.
 38. The apparatusaccording to claim 37 wherein the processor comprises a video gameconsole.
 39. The apparatus according to claim 37 wherein the displaydevice comprises a television set.
 40. The apparatus according to claim37, further comprising: a CD-ROM drive; and an interchangeable compactdisk removably coupled to the CD-ROM drive for providing additionalfunctionality to the processor.
 41. The apparatus according to claim 37,further comprising one or more communication ports configured to connectthe system to an information superhighway.
 42. The apparatus accordingto claim 37, further comprising a slot for accepting a flash memorycard.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein the apparatus isconfigured for downloading particular information obtained from the userto a separate computer.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 37, whereinthe memory further has stored therein alarm data and alarm softwareroutines for triggering an alarm if the blood glucose level as measuredfalls outside a predetermined range.
 45. An apparatus for interactivelymonitoring a blood glucose level and for interactively providinghealth-related information comprising: a. a display device comprising adisplay screen and an audio speaker; b. a processor contained within ahousing and coupled to provide a visual signal to the display screen; c.a glucose monitor coupled to provide a measurement signal representativeof the blood glucose level of a user to the processor; d. at least onebuilt-in memory, including read-only digital memory (ROM) or writeabledigital memory (RAM), or both, having stored therein operation data andoperation software routines executable by the processor for: (i)controlling the apparatus; (ii) comparing the blood glucose level asmeasured with stored measurements; (iii) performing one or more furtherprocessing functions in response to the comparing; (iv) connecting theprocessor to a remotely located computer via a communication network inresponse to receiving a network address of the remotely located computerfrom a removable memory card attached to the apparatus, wherein (a) thenetwork address identifies the remotely located computer within thecommunication network and (b) the remotely located computer is locateddistant from the processor; and (v) receiving the health-relatedinformation at the processor via the communication network from theremotely located computer; and e. an input device in communication withthe processor and configured to (i) receive an input from the user, (ii)enable the user to (1) make selections and (2) control one or more userfunctions of the apparatus and (iii) provide a control signal to theprocessor based upon the input, wherein health related information issent to said user based upon (a) the measurement signal representativeof the blood glucose level, (b) an identification code received fromsaid user, and (c) a destination address programmed by a physician priorto the user receiving the processor.
 46. The apparatus according toclaim 45 wherein the processor comprises a video game console.
 47. Theapparatus according to claim 45 further comprising: a CD-ROM drive; andan interchangeable compact disk removably coupled to the CD-ROM drivefor providing additional functionality to the processor.
 48. Theapparatus according to claim 45, further comprising one or morecommunication ports configured to connect the system to an informationsuperhighway.
 49. The apparatus of claim 45, further comprising a slotfor accepting a flash memory card.
 50. The apparatus according to claim45, wherein the apparatus is configured for downloading particularinformation obtained from the user to a separate computer.
 51. Theapparatus according to claim 45, wherein the memory further has storedtherein alarm data and alarm software routines for triggering an alarmif the blood glucose level as measured falls outside a predeterminedrange.